United Grief The reunification of Germany in the early 1990s, while a momentous development welcomed by the German public, brought with it massive costs. As a result, the German Government was forced to look for savings in many areas. One area was the Eurofighter EFA program underway in partnership with the UK, Italy and Spain to develop a new combat aircraft. In early to mid 1991, German Defence Minister Volker Rühe sought to withdraw Germany from the project in favour of using Eurofighter technology in a cheaper, lighter plane. As a compromise to their partners, Germany first tried to interest their partners in developing a single seat variant this aircraft but these calls were rejected by the other partners. Because of the amount of money already spent on development, the number of jobs dependent on the project, and the binding commitments on each partner government, Kohl was finding it difficult to withdraw.
While negotiating with their Eurofighter partners, Germany was never-the-less still committed to a simpler, less expensive solution. Accepting that a clean sheet design would not result in a less expensive design and that it would probably be at least a decade before being introduced into service, Germany started looking for existing solutions that could be modified. One option initially considered was reviving the Northrop F-20 Tigershark program. Germany had shown some interest in the early 1980s for this but had rejected it at the time. Now it might fit the bill. Unfortunately, the soon discovered that Northrop was unwilling to re-open the program on the terms Germany was looking, namely the use of significant German/European content.
Another option was soon identified though. This came from the north, in the form of Saab’s new JAS-39 Gripen. This was very similar to the F-20 in size and performance. Indeed, in many respects it was better. The Swedes were also very willing to work with Germany, including the willingness to incorporate changes to suit Germany’s needs. The fact that a big sale to Germany could help offset Sweden’s investments to date and potentially open up other markets was a big incentive. In mid 1994, they were able to announce a deal which seemed to satisfy all.
Under this, Germany committed to acquire up to 200 of a new development, the JAS-39C (and its 2-seat sister, the JAS-39D). These were based upon the existing JAS-39A/B but included extended capabilities in terms of armament, electronics, etc., all of which was NATO compatible. It was also able to be refuelled in flight using a retractable probe. Perhaps the biggest change though was the adoption of the Eurojet EJ200 engine in place of the existing Volvo RM12 (F404) engine. This offered an increase in power and most importantly, allowed Germany to capitalise upon its earlier investments.
The first of the new JAS-39C, known as Greif (German for Gripen) would enter service with the Luftwaffe in September 2002, approximately 12 months before any of the Eurofighter Typhoons (as the EFA had been renamed). Concurrently, the Svenska Flygvapnet also adopted the type to replace its existing JAS-39A/B variants. This resulted in production lines being established in both Sweden and Germany.
The Luftwaffe Greifs would serve without incident for decades to come, and indeed still do today. Other nations also adopted the type including Hungary, South Africa, Thailand, the Czech Republic and New Zealand. The latest operator has been the first to use them in combat though. This was Ukraine. In 2025, as one of his first decisions, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the transfer of 24 JAS-39Cs along with associated weapons, including most importantly the Taurus 350 cruise missiles. These were quickly put into use against the Russian invaders.
Top: Saab JAS 39C Hryfon (Griffin) as introduced into PS ZSU service in 2025 with the 299-ta bryhada taktychnoyi aviatsiyi. Former Luftwaffe markings have simply been overpainted to speed Ukrainian service entry.
'Syniy 21' is shown here carrying a TSG KEPD 350 Taurus cruise missile on its inner starboard pylon. (A drop tank would be carried on the inner portside pylon with the outer pylons left empty to reduce weight.) The blue practice AIM-9Ms on this Hryfon's wingtip rails show this aircraft to be on a training mission prior to the Kerch Bridge attack.
Bottom: 'Jäger Lite' - Luftwaffe Saab JAS 39C Grief (Griffin) 30+60 serving with Taktische Luftwaffengeschwader 73 „Steinhoff“ in early 2006. TaktLwG 73 was based at Fliegerhorst Laage near Rostock in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Note the wingtip-mounted IRIS-T missiles. These SRAAMs achieved their IOC in early Dec 2005 with a formal acceptance ceremony performed at Laage.
